COLORADO SPRINGS, Colo. - Ent Credit Unoin has recently named Chris Chippindale to a newly created position, "Director of Enterprise Initiatives." Chippindale is a nine-year veteran of the credit union and recently directed the merger between Ent and Denver's US Alliance CU. Below, Chippindale describes why the position was created and outlines its responsibilities.
CUJ: Why was the Director of Enterprise Initiatives position created, and who created it?
Chippindale: This position was created by our COO/EVP and the VP of IT to coordinate related efforts when it comes to projects within the organization. We have many projects going on at the same time, competing for the same resources, and coordinating everyone's efforts on the various projects is key to keeping everything moving forward. In addition, the position will serve as a liaison to our senior management team and vice presidents, tasked with bringing forward potential initiatives for their debate and decisions.
CUJ: What does the job entail and, given that it's new, how might it evolve?
Chippindale: This new position entails oversight of our project management team and process, our quality assurance and quality control groups, procedures, and testing. Over time, we will add new product evaluation, Research and Development, and also handle any mergers that may come along in the future.
CUJ: How are processes such as project management of CU-wide initiatives handled now, and where have the speed bumps been?
Chippindale: Currently, project management is handled primarily by Business Support in IT. The other parts such as quality assurance, testing, programming, communications, etc. are scattered throughout various parts of the credit union. Not having the core functions roll up to a central manager has been a speed bump in terms of communication, prioritization and issue resolution. This position was created to make credit union wide projects run more smoothly by designating a single point of contact for every project.
CUJ: Is there a particular initiative on which you will initially focus?
Chippindale: Current initiatives we will focus on research on a C21 solution, implementation of an SMS Mobile Banking platform, replacing our Intranet along with multiple smaller projects that are all in various stages of their project life cycle.
CUJ: Is there an ideal background for someone to drive enterprise initiatives?
Chippindale: Ideally you'd want someone who is familiar with all facets of the credit union and how it operates. You'd want someone with excellent project management skills and one that can work collaboratively with others to meet deadlines and successfully complete projects. I was chosen due to my many years with the credit union as the director of branch operations. In this role, I've worked with all members of our leadership team in various capacities so I'm familiar with much of the CUs operations. I've led or been a part of a number of large credit union projects, including mergers, so I have an understanding of how to do that and first-hand knowledge of what has worked and what has been problematic in the past.
CUJ: How will the position's success or failures be measured?
Chippindale: Successes and failures will be determined by the team's ability to deliver on the various projects assigned, and its ability to meet the scope of the project within deadlines and costs set. We'll also evaluate satisfaction by the business units with the process and adjust as needed.
